With winter comes the increased possibility of carbon monoxide exposure and poisoning. This occurs primarily when a fossil-fuel-burning appliance or equipment, such as a furnace, stove, clothes dryer or portable generator or heater is either not properly vented or is malfunctioning.

Since carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas and because exposure symptoms closely resemble those of the flu or other ailments, it is virtually impossible for us to know whether there is a leak inside our home or office.

Without a working alarm, your likely first indication of a low- to moderate-level leak could come in the form of physical symptoms, such as a headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness and shortness of breath. A high-level leak may present more severe symptoms, including mental confusion, vomiting, loss of coordination, passing out and eventually, death.

According to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, during the winter and spring months, carbon monoxide is the number one source of injury — even more so than vehicle crashes. Michigan’s fire marshal indicates that approximately 650 people are poisoned by carbon monoxide every year, and the U.S. Department of Emergency Management says more than 150 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year.

Given the incredible risk, it is essential that we equip our homes with carbon monoxide detectors — ideally there should be one outside of each sleeping area and on each floor of a home. Generally, detectors should be installed at a lower position, about knee level, because the gas does not rise like smoke. Be sure to follow the instructions that come with your detector. It is also important to function test the devices regularly to ensure proper operation and battery level.

Carbon monoxide is a serious threat to our health and well-being. The good news is that by taking some simple, proactive and relatively affordable steps, we can protect our families from this silent killer.

For more information, a good place to start is CDC.gov/CO.